Krishnan Kutty N

🪔 About

Sadanam Krishnankutty, born in Cherpulassery, Palakkad district, Kerala, in 1941, is a highly acclaimed Kathakali maestro. His fascination with Kathakali began in childhood, leading him to embark on his artistic journey in 1954 at the Gandhi Seva Sadanam (Sadanam Kathakali Akademi) in Pathiripala, Palakkad. He received his initial training under Thekkinkatil Ramunni Nair and was a frontline disciple of the late Padma Shri Keezhpadam Kumaran Nair. Krishnankutty also honed his skills in eye exercise and Rasa-Abhinaya under the tutelage of the Kudiyattam maestro Mani Madhava Chakyar. Throughout his extensive career, spanning over 68 years as of July 2023, Sadanam Krishnankutty has been celebrated for his remarkable versatility in portraying a wide array of Kathakali characters. He is adept at performing various 'veshams' (character types) such as Pacha (heroic), Kathi (villainous), Kari (black), and Minukku (radiant), excelling in roles ranging from valorous protagonists to dark villains, and even female characters and sages. He is credited with innovating 11 new characters in the dance form and is particularly noted for his portrayal of the Parasurama character. Beyond his performances, Krishnankutty has also contributed as a teacher, having served as a Kathakali tutor for brief periods at institutions like Kerala Kalamandalam, Unnayi Varier Smaraka Kalanilayam in Irinjalakuda, and Kala Mandir in Patna. Even at 82 years old (as of July 2023), he continues to perform, having recently performed in Hague. He resides in Irinjalakuda, Thrissur district. Awards & Honours: Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award (2002), Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2006), Kerala State Kathakali Award, Kalamandalam Fellowship, Honorary D.Litt (2021), Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (2021), Rajahamsam.